HOW TO GET TO
KOH SAMUI
Best way to travel to Koh Samui
Koh Samui is located in the Gulf of Thailand, in the Southeast part of the country. It is Thailand’s second-largest island and the biggest of the three gulf islands. The other two are Koh Phangan and Koh Tao.
Koh Samui is the only island in the gulf with an airport. Koh Samui Airport is considered by many one of the most beautiful airports in the World!
Getting to Koh Samui: There are several options for different budgets and comfort needs. We will try to ease the process as much as possible with detailed information and suggestions.
Use our BOOKING FACILITY to organize in advance your Koh Samui holiday. Find the best travelling options available for your plans and get your tickets at the best price. For personalized advice, feel free to contact us with any question on how to get to Koh Samui in the most convenient way depending on your needs & budget.
Fly to Koh Samui
Flying to Koh Samui is comfortable and fast. If you’re considering flying to Koh Samui, note the cost of a direct flight can be more expensive than to other destinations in Thailand, because Samui International Airport is privately owned by Bangkok Airways. We recommend flying to Koh Samui for families, senior holidaymakers or if you are flying from outside Thailand. Of course, you also have the option to fly to Surat Thani and take the bus and ferry to Koh Samui. This option is cheaper and there are a few airlines flying this route, so you can choose according to your plans and budget.
Train & Ferry to Koh Samui
Coming to Koh Samui island from Bangkok, you can take the overnight train from Bangkok to Surat Thani Town and save yourself a hotel night. Then, take a ferry from Donsak Pier to Koh Samui and get to one of the piers on the island: Nathon Pier, Lipa Noi Pier, Maenam Pier and Bangrak Pier. This journey is definitely an adventure, and you get to see more of mainland Thailand; also the ferry journey is enjoyable, especially if you travel in the evening, and you get to see the sunset on the water.
Thailand Travelling
Our Tips :
Plan in advance : Always try to book your itinerary in advance. Book all flight tickets in advance to get the best prices. For flights from Bangkok to Koh Samui, always check the first and the last flight of the day – you will get a better price most of the time. You have the option to fly direct to Koh Samui with Bangkok Airways or to fly to Surat Thani and then take the bus and ferry to Koh Samui – the second one being the cheapest option, but it involves a longer travelling time. Regarding trains, you can buy tickets in advance at the train station if you don’t mind the time and class of travel; however, if you want a 1st class sleeper ticket at a certain time, you should try and book it in advance as they sell out quickly.
Be on time: Thailand is known for being a laid back country in terms of punctuality. However, transport is surprisingly punctual. Make sure you are on time!
Travel at night: For long journeys, travelling at night is a good idea. 1st class sleeper cabins on trains are comfortable. You will save holiday time and one or two hotel nights, but obviously, depending on your circumstances.
Pack food and water : Unless you are taking a flight, bring your own food and refreshments.
Driving in Thailand
Regulation: You need an International Driving License to drive in Thailand.
Be extra safe: Beware of motorbikes passing you on all sides and directions. DO NOT speed. Keep your cool on the wheel. Make sure you rent a car with full comprehensive insurance.
Same same, but different: Thais have their own signaling and code of conduct on the road. An example we encountered: a Thai driver flashing at us: it didn’t mean we could go!; he was warning us BE AWARE because I AM GOING. Driving in Thailand can be an adventure.
Warning!!! Thailand is not the place to learn how to drive a motorbike. If you are not an experienced driver our advice is DO NOT rent a motorbike.
Renting a Car: You can book your car rental HERE, from top brands like Thrifty, National, Hertz, Avis, etc.
You can rent as well from local car rental but be extra careful with the insurance and car damage policies. Never leave your passport, driving license or any official document to anyone.
Arriving to Koh Samui
To Koh Samui by Plane
Koh Samui has an airport, so the easiest, fastest and most comfortable way to travel to Koh Samui is taking a fight. There are direct flights from several locations in Thailand, including Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket and Krabi. There are several international direct flights from locations like Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia and China.
Samui International Airport is considered one of the most beautiful airports in the world. Surrounded by nature to blend with the tropical theme of the island, the airport is owned by Bangkok Airways, being one of the few in the world privately owned. The airport is located on the North-East side of the island.
To Koh Samui by Ferry
FERRIES
From Donsak: The closest pier to Koh Samui from the mainland. Operators include Seatran Ferry, Raja Ferry, Songserm and Lompraya.
From Tapee Pier: Routes to Koh Samui operated by Lompraya.
From Chumphon: Routes to Koh Samui operated by Lompraya.
From Koh Phangan & Koh Tao: Daily ferries and speedboat services.
POINTS OF ARRIVALS IN KOH SAMUI
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